The Emperor

Niki Lauda thinks Michael Schumacher's recent retirement announcement could be a boost in his final championship fight.

"I remember when I said that I was going to stop," the triple World Champion told Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "I won the next race."

With more doubt, however, Lauda prophesised about the future of Schumacher's Ferrari team, which is to be headed by new number one driver Kimi Raikkonen until at least 2009.

"Raikkonen can drive fast," the 57-year-old told German magazine Focus, "but he can't do anything else.
"

"McLaren is not an emotional team like Ferrari."

"Italians look for excuses by nature and that's why Kimi risks a lot - one beer too many and he becomes the scapegoat for everything."

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W t f is wrong with this old, ignorant twat?!?! I mean, i'm not such big fan of Kimi, but to say something like that?!?

Formula 1 gentleman? Not really!

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Alfie

Even Schmumacher was glad that Kimi would replace him and MS surely have a greater idea than Lauda how things are. But still, there is stuff left to see!

The Emperor

Np with that, what bothers me is his stupid comment about Kimi's driving skills... He can drive fast and nothing else? That's the only Kimi's quality???

Alfie

OK, he said so and lets say that it's all he can... JUST being able to drive fast has given him great success so I don't see anything bad with that and I'm sure he has most of the qualities Ferrari desire. Otherwise they wouldn't have chosen him.

C.Charles

Thats right, Kimi can drive fast, thats what matters, isn't it? Not every F1 driver is a natural born strategist. Kimi will do well. I am starting to doubt Alonso's future too. I was thinking to myself earlier today, with Alonso's karting like approach, will the not overly reliable Mclaren fair??

Alfie

Without his beloved mass damper I don't think McLaren's tires will hold up for his driving style. The car will cope though but he won't drive as fast. Smoth driving is important in F1.

450SEL6.9

Good point, Zonda. In today's era of F1, drivers need to be super suave and smooth in their driving style. The days of Gilles Villeneuve driving are over. He sure was entertaining though.

Since smooth driving is important, I'll always have my reservations about Massa.

Have to disagree with the great Niki Lauda. I think Alonso takes China and opens the gap up to 6. Maybe Ferrari comes back at Suzuka, but Schu hasn't fared well in Brazil in a few years.

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